By Allison Goldsmith
I&M Sports Editor
The junior varsity girls soccer team wrapped up its season Sunday with a last-second loss to Division I North Quincy 2-1.
The Whalers had a 1-0 lead in the second half before the Red Raiders came from behind and scored a goal with under one minute remaining to earn the win. Nantucket finished the season at 2-8 overall.
“That was the best game we played all year long. It is so bad our season is so short. I finally get a feeling where the girls need to be and the girls are finally getting the feel for each other. This was definitely their best game going up against a Division I team,” head coach Karen Bradford said.
The Red Raiders came out in the first half attacking the net. Rosemary Glidden at sweeper and Katelyn Zieff at stopper were solid in front of Lindsay Fry in goal.
The Whalers had their best chance on net with just under 14 minutes remaining in the half. Donalee Blake put a charge on net and collided with the goalie, who made the save to keep Nantucket off the board. The dueling squads went into the half in a scoreless tie.
In the second half, the Whalers struck early. Five minutes in, Katherine Alfaro took the ball at midfield, wove through the North Quincy defense and put a shot on the ground to the goalie’s left to put Nantucket on top. It was the first goal of the season for the freshman forward who had been promising a goal to her coaches all season.
“For her to finally get it, you could feel the energy on the field,” Bradford said. “It was such a good feeling to have a lead, but at the same time that’s when they are ready to come in full force.”
Fry put on a show between the posts in the second half with at least 10 saves. The sophomore keeper made 20 saves in goal in the entire game.
“She definitely saved us. She did what she is supposed to do, but she does more than save goals. She gives the girls morale and a boost of confidence,” Bradford said.
Midway through the second half, North Quincy was able to even the score. The Red Raiders picked up a loose ball in the box and fired it at close range past Fry to tie the score at 1-1.
With under one minute remaining, North Quincy notched the game-winner on a break down the right sideline and a perfect crossing pass into the middle for the score.
Lucy McGowan played well again in the midfield, while Jessica Aguilar was strong up front for Nantucket.
|
